President Kesavraj Lokababu said the lockdown has caused people to flood to cricket.

“Absolutely that’s been the feel on the ground, people just want to get out of their homes and do something,” he said.

“After all that we’ve gone through in the last months, it’s good for everyone to meet. That is the most important part of community cricket, it helps build a society.”

Easts Cricket Club, which is the largest single entity cricket club in NSW, has also seen strong participation rates this year. Vice-president Peter Lovitt believes his sport is getting the love as it brings families together for an entire day outing.

“Sometimes cricket and time is a good thing as it allows people to spend together, parents and kids and spectators, you’re not rushing off after an hour,” he said.

“You’ve got time to spend with friends and family and re-engage in the local community again.”

Out in regional areas, Newcastle City Cricket Club has fewer returning players and more new sign-ups.

President Julie Wharton said a number of children have not returned as their families are hoping to travel over the summer, while other parents are coming to cricket for the first time to get their children active again.

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“The few which have left have been replaced by new interests so it’s balanced out,” she said.

“A lot of these kids have had their winter sports cut short and are champing at the bit to get there playing community sport again. Yes, it’s the social aspect, but it’s the physical and competitive side too that they’ve missed.”

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